My dogs have artistic temperaments -- that's how I explain their free spirits. A muse or a drummer only they can see and hear inspires responses not strictly in the program. So a First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square featuring an exhibit of dog-centered art and photography in a dog-friendly space sounds like the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their aesthetic sensitivity and to put to bed the rumor that they are simply poorly trained.

To be clear: This is not an exhibit of paintings by dogs. Instead, CityDog editor and canine-culture impresario Brandie Ahlgren has herded together the works of eight fine local artists and photographers who work in a decidedly furry oeuvre.

On the walls and in the flesh -- some with sidekicks -- will be: Jenifer Flynn of Four Legs Photography, Angela Ketelhut of Art by Angie, Jamie Pflughoeft of Decopaw Design, Emily Rieman of Best Friend Photography, Jennifer Sellers, J. Nichole Smith of Dane & Dane Photography, Bev Sparks of B Sparks Photography, and Shai Steiner of Animals In Primary.

So, trade cultural insights and training tips with agility-loving art collector types while you sip kumquat- and rhubarb-flavored sodas from Dry Soda. The SoDo soda start-up will be serving its signature brews, and Amy Soper of Dane & Dane Photography will be snapping mini-masterpieces on the spot. Expand your art tour to include other neighborhood galleries -- a "CityDog Friendly" sign in the window means well-behaved, art-loving pooches welcome!

Details: Thursday, March 6, 5-9 p.m., 109 S. Washington St. (the old Fenix on Occidental Square). Take note: This canine-apalooza lasts one night only. Return on Friday, and all will be scooped up and hauled away like you know what.

Read more about a few of the artists exhibiting on Thursday.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company